7 Make-Ahead Appetizers from Celebrity Chefs

1. 7 Make-Ahead Appetizers from Celebrity Chefs

These small bites are perfect for any summer party. They're easy to eat and can be prepared in advance, so you can actually enjoy the party with your guests instead of spending it in the kitchen! Whether you're going for a five-course meal or a cocktail-only affair, try these star-chef recipes to start the night off on just the right note.

3. Jose Garces's Tortilla Espanola

Ingredients: 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided1/2 cup small diced onion1 clove garlic, minced2 eggs, lightly beaten2 potatoes, peeled, diced and blanchedsalt to tasteDirections: 1. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. 2. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium mixing bowl. Fold in the onions, garlic and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a non-stick pan. Pour the mixture into the heated pan and cook on one side for 4 minutes. Flip the tortilla into another non-stick pan the same size.4. Bake the tortilla, covered, for about 10 minutes at 300°F.5. Serve the tortilla with garlic aioli. Serves 4.

5. José Andrés's Skewers

Ingredients:4 plum tomatoes1/4 seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into eight 2-inch cubes8 wooden or bamboo skewers1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon grated lemon zest1/4 cup Spanish extra-virgin olive oil1 tablespoon sherry vinegarsea salt to tastefresh herbs or herb flowers (such as lavender or borage), optional, for garnish
Directions:1. To prepare tomatoes: Slice off the top and bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife. Find the fleshy dividing wall of one segment inside the tomato. Slice alongside the dividing wall and open the flesh of the tomato to expose the seeds. Remove the seeds and their pulp by slicing around the core of the tomato. Set the seed sacs aside. Your aim is to keep the seeds and their surrounding gel intact to create tomato seed "fillets" that are separate from the firmer tomato flesh. You should have at least 8 "fillets." Reserve tomato flesh for another use.2. Take a skewer and place a tomato-seed fillet on it. Then place a watermelon cube onto the skewer. Repeat with the remaining seven skewers. 3. In a small blow, mix the lemon juice, half the lemon zest, the oil, and the vinegar to make the dressing. 4. Place the skewers on a serving plate and pour the dressing on top.5. Sprinkle with sea salt, the remaining lemon zest, and the herbs or herb flowers (if using).

7. David Myers' Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients: 24 shrimp, peeled (16-20 count)8 rosemary sprigs, leaves removed1/4 cup olive oil1/2 lemon, in sectionssea saltfresh ground black pepperDirections: 1. Soak the rosemary sprigs in water for 15 minutes prior to preparation. 2. Skewer three shrimp per piece of rosemary, using the fat end of the sprig to go through the shrimp.3. Season with salt and pepper and grill 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp is just cooked (lightly curled and opaque). Actual time will vary due to differences in grills.4. When cooking is finished, remove from grill and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the shrimp.

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8. Julian Medina's Tuna Ceviche

Ingredients for the Sauce: 1/2 cup orange juice1/4 cup rice vinegar 1/4 cup light soy sauce1 teaspoon sambal olek (Thai chili-garlic sauce)1 tablespoon yuzu juiceIngredients for the Tuna Ceviche: 1 pound sushi quality Yellowfin tuna, diced1/2 cup vidalia onion, thinly sliced1/4 cup radish, julienned1/2 cup watermelon, 1/4-inch dice2 tablespoons chives, choppedKosher salt to tasteDirections: 1. For the Sauce: In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients and whisk vigorously until a well-incorporated sauce forms. 2. For the Tuna Ceviche: In another bowl combine together the tuna, onion, radish and watermelon; hand toss until the ingredients are mixed together well.3. Pour the sauce over the ceviche, careful not to drown the salad. To better incorporate the vinaigrette mix the ceviche by hand.4. Place 1/4 of the salad per plate; sprinkle the chives on top for garnish. Serves 4.

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7 Make-Ahead Appetizers from Celebrity Chefs

These small bites are perfect for any summer party. They're easy to eat and can be prepared in advance, so you can actually enjoy the party with your guests instead of spending it in the kitchen! Whether you're going for a five-course meal or a cocktail-only affair, try these star-chef recipes to start the night off on just the right note.